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+# NEO-86 — Implementation plan
+
+## Story reference
+
+| Field | Value |
+|--------|--------|
+| **Key** | NEO-86 |
+| **Title** | E5M1-12: Playable tab-target combat capstone (Godot) |
+| **Linear** | https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-86/e5m1-12-playable-tab-target-combat-capstone-godot |
+| **Module** | [E5.M1 — CombatRulesEngine](../decomposition/modules/E5_M1_CombatRulesEngine.md) · Epic 5 Slice 1 · backlog **E5M1-12** |
+| **Branch** | `NEO-86-playable-combat-capstone` |
+| **Server deps** | [NEO-82](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-82) cast + `combatResolution` (**Done**); [NEO-83](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-83) combat-targets GET (**Done**); [NEO-44](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-44) gig XP on defeat + GET (**Done**) |
+| **Client deps** | [NEO-85](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-85) combat feedback + target HP HUD (**Done**); E1.M4 cast funnel (NEO-28/31/32) (**Done**) |
+| **Pattern** | Capstone integration — [NEO-75](https://linear.app/neon-sprawl/issue/NEO-75) docs + manual QA primary; minimal client gap-fill for gig visibility |
+| **Server counterpart** | NEO-44 gig progression GET; Bruno-only verification is not prototype-complete per [full-stack epic decomposition](../../.cursor/rules/full-stack-epic-decomposition.md) |
+
+## Kickoff clarifications
+
+| Topic | Question | Agent recommendation | Answer |
+|--------|----------|----------------------|--------|
+| **Gig XP visibility** | Include gig XP in the Godot capstone? | **`GigProgressionClient` + `GigXpLabel`** in economy HUD; refresh after defeat cast — NEO-44 landed; NEO-75 capstone is Godot-only (no Bruno/curl). | **User:** Godot gig label + client. |
+| **Implementation scope** | Docs-only vs client code? | **Docs + manual QA primary**; add gig client wiring; fix integration gaps only if capstone QA fails on `main`. | **User:** docs-first; code for gig row or QA failures. |
+| **Session baseline** | Fresh server vs fixture POST only? | **Fresh server restart** before Godot **F5** — resets in-memory dummy HP + gig XP baseline (NEO-75 / NEO-44 manual QA precedent). | **Adopted** (kickoff default). |
+
+No other blocking decisions — combat loop HUD, hotbar pulse bootstrap, and event-driven combat-target refresh are landed in NEO-85; field names follow NEO-82 / NEO-44 server vocabulary.
+
+## Goal, scope, and out-of-scope
+
+**Goal:** Prove Epic 5 Slice 1 acceptance **in Godot**: tab-target lock, cast abilities, readable deny reasons, defeat **`prototype_target_alpha`**, and visible gig XP after defeat — without Bruno.
+
+**In scope (from Linear + [E5M1-12](E5M1-prototype-backlog.md#e5m1-12--playable-tab-target-combat-capstone-godot)):**
+
+- **`docs/manual-qa/NEO-86.md`**: numbered **single-session** capstone script — fresh dev player, Tab lock alpha, digit cast **`prototype_pulse`** until defeat, verify combat HUD + **`breach`** gig XP — **no Bruno/curl** steps.
+- **`client/README.md`**: **End-to-end combat loop** section — integration checklist (boot → Tab lock → cast → defeat → gig XP refresh chain); cross-links NEO-23/28/31/85.
+- **`GigProgressionClient`** + **`GigXpLabel`** — mirror **`SkillProgressionClient`** (NEO-37); boot hydrate + refresh when cast accept carries **`targetDefeated: true`**.
+- **Module alignment** (on story completion): update [`documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md`](../decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md) E5.M1 row + E5M1-12 backlog checkboxes; note Epic 5 Slice 1 client capstone complete.
+- **Integration fixes only if capstone QA fails** on current `main` wiring (unexpected deny, refresh gap, etc.).
+
+**Out of scope (from Linear + backlog):**
+
+- NPC AI (E5.M2), encounters/loot (E5.M3), group scaling.
+- Final combat VFX, floating damage numbers, player HP bar.
+- Full nine-gig catalog, hub swap, gig level curves.
+- Bruno-only verification as prototype-complete proof.
+
+## Acceptance criteria checklist
+
+- [ ] Human completes **`docs/manual-qa/NEO-86.md`** with server + client; **`prototype_target_alpha`** shows defeated state in HUD.
+- [ ] Epic 5 Slice 1 AC: combat readable in fixed isometric camera; no silent cast failures on deny.
+- [ ] **`breach`** gig XP visible in Godot after defeat (≥ **25** from fresh-server baseline).
+- [ ] Re-read [epic_05 Definition of Done](../decomposition/epics/epic_05_pve_combat.md#definition-of-done) for prototype minimums.
+
+## Technical approach
+
+### 1. Capstone manual QA script (`docs/manual-qa/NEO-86.md`)
+
+**Preconditions:** Stop any running server; start fresh (`dotnet run`) so in-memory **`dev-local-1`** dummy HP and gig XP reset. Godot **F5** with **no** prior curl/Bruno seeding.
+
+**Combat math** (from NEO-85 / NEO-82):
+
+| Cast # | Expected cast feedback | Target HP label |
+|--------|------------------------|-----------------|
+| 1 | `Cast: 25 dmg → 75 HP` | `100/100` → `75/100` |
+| 2 | `→ 50 HP` | `50/100` |
+| 3 | `→ 25 HP` | `25/100` |
+| 4 | `→ 0 HP — defeated!` | `0/100 (defeated)` |
+| 5 | `ability_cast_denied: target_defeated` | unchanged defeated |
+
+**Checklist outline:**
+
+1. Start server + client; confirm **`Gig XP:`** row shows **`breach`** at **0** xp (boot hydrate).
+2. Walk to orange **Dummy α** near spawn; **Tab** lock **`prototype_target_alpha`** — dummy brightens; **`CombatTargetHpLabel`** shows **`100/100`**.
+3. Press **1** four times (respect ~3s pulse cooldown); verify **`CastFeedbackLabel`** + HP label step as above.
+4. Verify **`GigXpLabel`** shows **`breach`** **`xp` 25** after lethal hit (event-driven GET refresh).
+5. Press **1** again — deny feedback; gig XP unchanged.
+6. **Esc** clear lock — HP label **`— (no lock)`**; combat feedback labels remain readable.
+7. Regression spot-check: cast without lock → **`invalid_target`** deny on **`CastFeedbackLabel`**.
+
+Document optional **`POST /game/__dev/combat-targets-fixture`** for mid-session dummy-only reset (NEO-85) — capstone baseline still prefers **server restart**.
+
+### 2. Gig progression client (`gig_progression_client.gd`)
+
+Mirror **`skill_progression_client.gd`**:
+
+- **`GET {base}/game/players/{id}/gig-progression`** — injectable HTTP, **`_busy`** guard.
+- **`parse_progression_json(text)`** static — require **`schemaVersion` 1**, **`mainGigId`**, **`gigs`** array.
+- Signals: **`progression_received(snapshot: Dictionary)`**, **`progression_sync_failed(reason: String)`**.
+- **`gig_row(gig_id: String, snapshot: Dictionary = {}) -> Dictionary`** — lookup by **`id`**; uses cached snapshot when second arg omitted.
+
+### 3. Gig XP HUD (`main.gd` + `main.tscn`)
+
+- Add **`GigProgressionClient`** node (scene or runtime like **`CombatTargetsClient`**).
+- Add **`GigXpLabel`** under **`UICanvas/EconomyHudSection/Body/`** below **`SkillProgressionLabel`**, above **`CraftRecipePanel`** — respects NEO-75 collapse toggle.
+- **`_render_gig_xp_label()`** — format **`Gig XP:\nbreach: L1 · 25 xp`** (prototype fixed level **1** from server); **`Loading…`** / error lines match skill label pattern.
+- **Refresh triggers (event-driven):**
+  - Boot: **`request_sync_from_server()`** in setup (parallel to skill progression).
+  - **`cast_result_received`** when **`accepted`** and **`resolution.targetDefeated === true`** → gig progression sync (NEO-44 grant is server-side on that accept; GET reconciles HUD).
+- Do **not** refresh gig XP on every cast accept — only boot + defeat transition (minimize HTTP chatter).
+
+### 4. README integration checklist
+
+New **`## End-to-end combat loop (NEO-86)`** section after NEO-85 combat HUD subsection:
+
+- Flow in prose: boot hotbar sync (auto pulse bind) → **Tab** lock dummy → digit cast → cast feedback + HP label refresh → defeat → gig XP refresh.
+- Cross-links: NEO-23 (targeting), NEO-28/31 (cast), NEO-85 (combat HUD), NEO-44 (server gig grant).
+- Pointer to **`docs/manual-qa/NEO-86.md`** as authoritative capstone script.
+- Note **`Economy HUD`** toggle hides gig row with other economy labels.
+
+### 5. Module alignment (implementation batch or story end)
+
+When acceptance criteria pass:
+
+- **`documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md`**: E5.M1 — note **NEO-86 landed**, Epic 5 Slice 1 client capstone complete.
+- **`E5M1-prototype-backlog.md`**: E5M1-12 checkboxes + landed note.
+- **`E5_M1_CombatRulesEngine.md`**: E5M1-12 row if not already marked.
+
+### 6. Integration fixes (conditional)
+
+Run capstone QA on **`main`** wiring before gig client work; if any step fails, fix minimal **`main.gd`** / client bug in this branch and note in plan **Decisions**. Expected path: gig client + docs only.
+
+## Files to add
+
+| Path | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `docs/plans/NEO-86-implementation-plan.md` | This plan. |
+| `docs/manual-qa/NEO-86.md` | Capstone single-session manual QA (zero Bruno/curl). |
+| `client/scripts/gig_progression_client.gd` | GET gig-progression snapshot; parse v1; **`gig_row`** helper. |
+| `client/scripts/gig_progression_client.gd.uid` | Godot uid companion (tracked). |
+| `client/test/gig_progression_client_test.gd` | GdUnit: parse snapshot; **`gig_row("breach")`**; HTTP error path. AAA layout. |
+| `client/test/gig_feedback_refresh_test.gd` | GdUnit: cast accept with **`targetDefeated`** triggers gig sync (spy harness). AAA layout. |
+
+## Files to modify
+
+| Path | Rationale |
+|------|-----------|
+| `client/scripts/main.gd` | Wire **`GigProgressionClient`**; **`_render_gig_xp_label`**; defeat-triggered gig refresh in **`_on_cast_result_received`**. |
+| `client/scenes/main.tscn` | Add **`GigProgressionClient`** node + **`GigXpLabel`** under economy HUD body. |
+| `client/README.md` | End-to-end combat loop section; gig XP row docs; capstone manual QA link. |
+| `docs/decomposition/modules/documentation_and_implementation_alignment.md` | E5.M1 row — NEO-86 landed + Slice 1 client capstone complete (on story completion). |
+| `docs/plans/E5M1-prototype-backlog.md` | E5M1-12 acceptance checkboxes + landed note (on story completion). |
+
+## Tests
+
+| Path | Change |
+|------|--------|
+| `client/test/gig_progression_client_test.gd` | **Add:** GET parse v1 with **`breach`** row; invalid schema → failure signal; 404 path. |
+| `client/test/gig_feedback_refresh_test.gd` | **Add:** cast accept with **`targetDefeated: true`** triggers **`GigProgressionClient.request_sync_from_server`**; deny / non-defeat accept does not. |
+
+**Manual verification:** [`docs/manual-qa/NEO-86.md`](manual-qa/NEO-86.md) — server + Godot; full defeat spine + gig XP visibility without curl.
+
+## Open questions / risks
+
+| Question or risk | Agent recommendation | Status |
+|------------------|----------------------|--------|
+| **Gig refresh on every accept** | Refresh only on **`targetDefeated`** + boot — avoids redundant GETs on non-lethal hits. | **adopted** |
+| **Gig label inside economy collapse** | Place under **`EconomyHudSection/Body`** — hidden when economy HUD collapsed (NEO-75); combat labels stay visible. | **adopted** |
+| **Overlap with NEO-85 manual QA** | NEO-86 supersedes as capstone script; keep NEO-85 as component-level regression reference. | **adopted** |
+| **Postgres dev DB retains gig XP** | Capstone preconditions require **server restart**; document that shared Postgres may show prior totals. | **adopted** |
+| **Integration gap on `main`** | Run capstone dry-run first; fix only if QA fails. | **pending** (implementation) |